Mounting system

ABSTRACT

A mounting system for mounting a device to a mounting surface such as a wall. In one set of embodiments, the mounting system is configured to mount a display device such as a whiteboard or smart board in front of a preexisting structure such as a chalkboard that is attached to the mounting surface. The mounting system includes a support bracket configured to operatively connect to the mounting surface and operatively connect to the display device. The mounting system may provides selective adjustment of the orientation of the display device relative to the mounting surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/330,737 filed Jan. 13, 2009 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of systems for mounting a device to a surface. More particularly the present invention relates to systems for mounting a display, including a whiteboard, smart board or screen, in relation to an preexisting structure, which may be another display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention that is recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

Various conventional systems for mounting a whiteboard, smart board, screen, or similar display are known. For example, one category of mounting systems generally provides an arrangement where the display is attached to a frame or other structure that provides free-standing support for the display. These mounts may further include wheels, casters, or the like, which permit the mounting system and attached display to be maneuvered about a floor or other horizontal surface. Another category of mounting systems provides for substantially permanent attachment of the display to a surface such as a wall or other vertical surface. Still another category of mounts include systems that are attachable to a wall or ceiling and provide for selective deployment and retraction of the display, or more typically, a flexible screen that may be used to display images projected thereon.

Chalkboards, once a standard in classrooms and lectures halls, have more recently fallen out favor. Educators and others have largely adopted whiteboards over chalkboards in light of their convenience and ability to more clearly display both material directly written thereon as well as electronically projected images. In new installations, whiteboards, at least initially, may also be more economical relative to the traditional chalkboard. Moreover, the advent of “smart boards,” e.g., whiteboards that can electronically capture and record material written on their viewable surface, provides an additional option over traditional chalkboards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention comprise systems for mounting a display such as a whiteboard, smart board, screen, or similar type device to a mounting surface. More particularly, various embodiments provide a mounting system that allows a display to be mounted in front of a new or preexisting structure such as a display, which may be a chalkboard. The mounting system may be configured to resiliently orientate and mount the display so that one can comfortably write on the visible surface of the display. Further, the mounting system may be adjustable to permit mounting displays of various configurations and dimensions as well as to accommodate a range of mounting conditions, for example, where the display is amounted in front of a preexisting blackboard.

In one set of embodiments, the mounting system for mounting a display device comprises a first support bracket having a first end and a second end. The first support bracket is configured for operative connection to the mounting surface proximate the first end and is further configured for selectively adjustable operative connection to the display device along a length of the support bracket. The system also includes a first adjustment member operatively connected to the first support bracket proximate the second end. The first adjustment member is configured for engagement with a preexisting structure attached to the mounting surface and underlying the mounted display device and/or the mounting surface itself. The first adjustment member provides support to the display device in a direction substantially normal to the mounting surface. The mounting system is configured to mount the display device in front of the preexisting structure. In various embodiments, the display device may be a whiteboard or a smart board. Further, in various embodiments, the underlying structure may be a preexisting display such as a chalkboard.

These and other features of the invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mounting system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and shown attached to a display device;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the mounting system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the mounting system of FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is a close up view of portion of the of the mounting system of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the mounting system of FIG. 1 shown attached to a display device, and FIG. 4B shows a mounting system according to a second embodiment and shown attached to a display device;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the mounting system of 4A and FIG. 5B is a close up view of a portion of the mounting system of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 shows a portion of the mounting system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 shows a portion of the mounting system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a mounting system 10 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The mounting system 10 comprises a support bracket 100 configured for operative attachment to a mounting surface (not shown) and operative attachment to a display 20. The support bracket 100 may be operatively connected to one or more members that may facilitate attachment and/or orientation of the display 20 and/or the mounting system 10 in relation to the mounting surface. The mounting system 10 may comprise one or more of the support bracket 100. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the mounting system 10 includes a first support bracket 100 a and a second support bracket 100 b. The mounting system 10 is readily adaptable to include additional support brackets 100 to support the display 20 and/or other structures.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A, the support bracket 100 may comprise an elongated member with a first end 101 and a second end 102. The support bracket 100 further comprises a first surface 111 and a second surface 112 opposing the first surface. The support bracket 100 may comprise a relatively thin member. To provide additional rigidity to the support bracket 100, a side portion 103 may be disposed along a portion of the length the support bracket 100 and extend substantially perpendicular from the first surface 111 and/or the second surface 112 of the support bracket 100. The side portion 103 may be attached to the support bracket 100 or the support bracket 100 and the side portion 103 may be constructed from a single piece of material, such as by forming, molding, or other process. A support bracket 100 may include a pair of opposing side portions 103 as depicted in FIG. 2. The support bracket 100 may include additional strengthening features such as a central rib that runs along a portion of the support bracket.

The length of the support bracket 100 may be sized to substantially correspond to the configuration of the display 20. For example and as shown in FIG. 1, the support bracket 100 is disposed over a majority of the height of the display 20. However, the support bracket 100 may be configured to extend beyond the periphery of the display 20. In this configuration, the support bracket 100 may include additional features and/or may be configured for operative attachment to additional features or components that are disposed proximate the periphery of the display 20 and are accessible to a user of the display 20. For instance, additional features and/or components including, for example, a surface, shelf, drawer, storage area, etc, may be disposed or operatively coupled proximate a first end 101. The support bracket 100 may also be configured such that it extends less than a majority of the height of the display 20. Further, the support bracket 100 may comprise multiple portions that are operatively connected to one or more other portions or independent from other portions. Still further, the orientation of the support bracket 100 may be altered from that of FIG. 1, where it is substantially vertical, to be aligned with a length of the display 20 and substantially horizontal.

The support bracket 100 is configured for operative attachment to a mounting surface such as a wall, a vertical surface, or another surface. A wall attachment portion 105 may be disposed proximate the second end 101. The wall attachment portion 105 may comprise a bracket or other member operatively connected to the support bracket 100. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3A, the wall attachment portion may be formed, at least in part, from a portion of the support bracket 100. As shown, the wall attachment portion 105 can comprise a “U” shaped configuration and includes an engagement lip 106. Additional surface mounting configurations may be used in conjunction with or in alternative to the wall attachment portion 105. For example, one or more brackets or other members operatively connected to the support bracket 100 may be used for operative attachment to the mounting surface. Additionally, one or more connecting elements may be received by the support bracket 100 and the mounting surface to operatively attach the support bracket 100 to the mounting surface.

The wall attachment portion 105 may be configured for operative attachment to the mounting surface. For example, one or more connecting elements may be received by the wall attachment portion 105 and the mounting surface. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the wall attachment portion 105 may also be configured for operative attachment to a surface bracket 120 operatively attached to the mounting surface. The surface bracket 120 may comprise a plate, a hook, or other configuration. With reference to FIG. 6, the surface bracket 120 includes a surface attachment portion 121 configured for operative attachment to the mounting surface, an engagement portion 122, and a support bracket connecting portion 123. The engagement portion 122 may be offset from the surface attachment portion 121 so to receive at least a portion of the engagement lip 106. The support bracket connecting portion 123 may be disposed substantially normal the engagement portion 122. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the wall attachment portion 105 substantially interfaces with the surface bracket 120. One or more connecting elements 40 received by a portion of the wall attachment portion 105 and the surface bracket 120 may be used to secure the mounting system 10 to the mounting surface. The wall attachment portion 105 and the surface bracket 120 may each include one or more openings 107 to receive the one or more connecting elements 40. In an embodiment, the one or more openings 107 may comprise slots, thereby providing additional adjustment of the orientation of the display 20 relative to mounting surface.

The surface bracket 120 and/or the wall attachment portion 105 may be adapted for various configurations of the mounting system 10. Further, where the display 20 is mounted in front of an existing display such as a chalkboard, the surface bracket 120 and/or the wall attachment portion 105 may be adapted for various configurations of the underlying display. In a particular embodiment, the surface bracket 120 may include an extended configuration where the mounting system 10 is adapted for mounting a display 20 in front an existing display that is offset from the mounting surface or has an increased depth relative to other existing displays.

The support bracket 100 is configured for operable attachment to the display 20. The support bracket 100 may be directly connected to the display 20 and/or one or more brackets attached to the display 20. A plurality of support bracket openings 108 me be disposed on the support bracket 100. One or connecting elements may be received by one or more of the plurality of openings 108 to secure the display 20 to the support bracket 100. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the support bracket 100 may also include a display interface member 109. The display interface member 109 is configured to engage a portion of the display 20 as, for example, shown in FIG. 4B. In this configuration, the display interface member 109 is proximate, and displaced from, the second surface 112 of the support bracket 100 and opposing the display 20. The display interface member 109 may be inserted into a slot disposed on the display 20 or otherwise operatively connected to the display 20.

The support bracket 100 may also include one or more brackets configured to interface with the display 20. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A, the support bracket 100 may be provided with a display interface bracket 150. The display interface bracket 150 may be secured to second surface 112 of the support bracket 100 opposing the display 20 and positioned along the length of the support bracket 100 to engage with a portion of the display 20 as shown in FIG. 4A. With reference to FIG. 7, the display interface bracket 150 may include a support bracket surface 152 and one or more extending portions 153 to form a “U” shaped bracket. A central recess 151 may be formed in the extending portions 153 to accept a portion of the display 20. However, other configurations of the display interface bracket 150 may be implemented to correspond with the configuration of the display 20. In various embodiments, the display interface member 109 and the display interface bracket 150 may be adjustable to accommodate various depths and mounting configurations of the display 20.

In particular installations, the display interface member 109 and the display interface bracket 150 may be used together to secure the display 20 to the support bracket 100. In other installations, such as in the arrangement shown in FIG. 4B, the display interface member 109 will be used to the exclusion of the display interface bracket 150. In yet other installations, such as in the arrangement shown in FIG. 4A, the display interface bracket 150 will be used to the exclusion of the display interface member 109. The display interface member 109 and the display interface bracket 150 may be attached to the support bracket 100 using one or more connecting elements, welding, or other form of securement. In an embodiment, one or more of the plurality of support bracket openings 108 may receive one or more connecting elements for attachment of the display interface member 109 and/or the display interface bracket 150. One or more of the plurality of support bracket openings 108 may comprise slots to offer further adjustability of the position of the display interface member 109 and/or the display interface bracket 150 in relation to the support bracket 100.

The support bracket 100 and/or the display interface member 109 and/or the display interface bracket 150 may be configured for ease of attachment and removal of the display 20 from the mounting system 10. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B the display interface member 109 and/or the display interface bracket 150 may be configured such that the display 20 is securely connected during use but may be readily slid on and off from the mounting system 10 as necessary. Further, the location of the display interface bracket 150 along the support bracket 100 may be adjusted to select the relative position of the display 20 in relation to the mounting system 10. Where the support bracket 100 is disposed in a substantially vertical orientation, the height of the display 20 when mounted may be varied by adjustment of the position of the display interface bracket 150. Similarly, the engagement location of the display interface member 109 in relation of the display 20 may be selectively adjusted to obtain the desired orientation of the display 20 when coupled to the mounting system 10.

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, one or more bumper brackets 125 may be operatively connected to the support bracket 100. The one or more bumper brackets 125 may be secured to the second surface 112 of the support bracket 100. The one or more bumper brackets 125 may comprise an “L” bracket, “U” bracket, post, or other configuration adapted to engage the display 20. The one or more bumper brackets 125 may be secured to the support bracket 100 using a connecting element or other form of securement. The one or more bumper brackets 125 may engage the display 20 and further orientate and support the display 20 in relation to the support bracket 100. For example, a plurality of the one or more bumper brackets 125 may be operatively connected and disposed along a length of the support bracket 100 to support the display 20 in a direction substantially normal to the mounting surface, providing the display 20 with a secure visible surface that may be used for writing upon. In various embodiments, the one or more bumper brackets 125 are used in conjunction with the display interface bracket 150. The one or more bumper brackets 125 may be adjustably configurable to adapt to various dimensions and configurations of the display 20, or the mounting system 10 may be provided with one or more bumper brackets 125 of varying dimension and or configuration for use in various installations. Additionally, a compliant member (not shown) may be disposed in the interface between the one or bumper brackets 125 and the display 20. The compliant member may comprise, for example, a rubber pad, strip, or plate in various embodiments.

One or more adjustment members 140 may be operatively connected to the support bracket 100. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the one or more adjustment members 140 may be secured to the side portion 103 of the support bracket 100. The one or more adjustment members 140 may comprise an “L” bracket configured to engage the mounting surface. The one or more adjustment members 140 may be secured to a portion of the support bracket 100 using a connecting element 141 or other form of securement. The one or more adjustment members 140 may engage the mounting surface and further orientate and support the mounting system 10 in relation to the mounting surface. For example, a plurality of the one or more adjustment members 140 may be operatively connected and disposed along a length of the support bracket 100 to support the mounting system 10 in a direction substantially normal to the mounting surface and the first surface 111, providing the mounting system 10 and the display 20 with a secure surface that may be used for writing upon.

In various embodiments, the one or more adjustment members 140 are used in conjunction with the display interface member 109. The one or more adjustment members 140 may be adjustably configurable to adapt to various dimensions and configurations of the mounting system 10 relative to the mounting surface and any underlying existing display. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the one or more adjustment members 140 comprise an adjustable “L” bracket having one or more bracket openings 142 configured to accept one or more of a connecting element received by the support bracket 110. As shown, the one or more bracket openings 142 may comprises slots that permit the depth of the one or more adjustment members 140 to be adapted to the necessary depth to engage an underlying preexisting structure and/or mounting surface 50 and thereby provide support to the mounting system 10 in direction substantially normal to the mounting surface. The mounting system may also be provided with one or more adjustment members 140 of varying dimension and or configuration to provide further adjustability. Additionally and as depicted in FIG. 3B, a compliant member 126 may be disposed in the interface between the one or bumper brackets 125 and the mounting surface and/or underlying existing display. The compliant member 126 substantially protects the mounting surface and/or underlying preexisting structure from damage by the mounting system 10.

When mounted, the support bracket 100 securely orientates the display 20 in relation to the mounting surface. Further, where an preexisting structure such as an existing display is attached to the same mounting surface, the support bracket 100 securely orientates the display 20 in front of the preexisting structure. Thus, the support bracket 100 may be used to securely orientate, for example, a whiteboard or smart board in front of an existing chalkboard or other underlying structure. One or more of the support brackets 100 may be used in mounting the display 20 in this manner. As shown in FIG. 1, a first support bracket 100 a and a second support bracket 100 b are orientated substantially parallel and horizontally spaced apart from each other. However, other configurations, including one of the support bracket 100 or a plurality of the support brackets 100, may be implemented. In various embodiments, the one or more support brackets 100 may be orientated in a substantially vertical or substantially horizontal orientation or variations and/or combinations thereof.

With reference to FIG. 1 a first surface bracket 120 a and a second surface bracket 120 b are attached to the mounting surface proximate a preexisting underlying structure (not shown) attached to the mounting surface. As described, the first and the second surface brackets 120 a and 120 b may be attached to the mounting surface using screws or other connecting elements. As shown, the first and the second surface brackets 120 a and 120 b are horizontally spaced apart to adequately support the display 20. However, in other embodiments, the first and the second surface brackets 120 a and 120 b may be vertically spaced apart. The first and the second support brackets 100 a and 100 b are operatively connected to the display 20 as previously described. The assembly comprising the first and the second support brackets 100 a and 100 b and the display 20 is secured to the first and the second surface brackets 120 a and 120 b, respectively. The one or more bumper brackets 125 may be operatively connected to the first and/or the second support brackets 100 a and 100 b as needed to support and offset the display 20 from the first and/or the second support brackets 100 a and 100 b. Additionally, one or more of the adjustment members 140 may be operatively connected to the first and/or the second surface brackets 100 a and 100 b as needed to support and offset the mounting system 10 from the mounting surface and/or existing underlying structure. Further, the mounting system 10 is expandable to comprise a plurality of the support brackets 100 and a plurality of the surface bracket 120 to accommodate various sizes of the display 20.

As depicted in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5B, the mounting system 10 securely orientates and supports the display 20, providing a new display surface in front of the preexisting structure, which may be a chalkboard, without modification and/or damage to the preexisting structure. The assembly and progression of the assembly may be accomplished to meet the requirements of a particular installation. Various components may be preassembled or adjustably connected for ease of assembly. For example, the display 20 may be provided with one or more of the components, including the support bracket 100 operatively connected to the display 20. In other embodiments, the mounting system 10 may be provided separately and be configured to interface to a particular display or adaptable to mounting a plurality of displays of various configurations and dimensions.

All or a portion of the mounting system 10 may be constructed of various materials to securely orientate and support the display 20. For example, the support bracket 100 may comprise aluminum or steel. In an embodiment, components of the mounting system 10 may be scratch resistant. In a particular embodiment, components of the mounting system 10 include a scratch resistant black fused epoxy coating. Components of the mounting system 10 may also include various additional or alternatively surface treatments.

The foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described to explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

1. A mounting system for mounting a device to a mounting surface, comprising: a first support bracket having a first end and a second end, the first support bracket configured to operatively connect to the mounting surface proximate the first end and configured to be selectively adjustable and to operatively connect to the device along a length of the support bracket; and a first adjustment member operatively connected to the first support bracket proximate the second end, the first adjustment member configured to engage with a preexisting structure underlying the device and attached to the mounting surface, the first adjustment member providing support to the device in a direction substantially normal to the mounting surface, wherein the mounting system is configured to mount the device in front of the preexisting structure, and wherein the first adjustment member is selectively adjustable in a direction substantially normal to the mounting surface.
 2. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the device comprises one of a whiteboard and a smart board.
 3. The mounting system of claim 2, wherein the preexisting structure comprises a chalkboard.
 4. The mounting system of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of support brackets, each of the plurality of support brackets positioned substantially parallel and spaced apart from an adjacent support bracket; and a plurality of adjustment members operatively connected to the plurality of support brackets.
 5. The mounting system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of support brackets comprise a first support bracket and a second support bracket, and wherein the first support bracket and the second support bracket are orientated in a substantially vertical orientation.
 6. The mounting system of claim 5, wherein the position of the device in relation to the plurality of support brackets is vertically adjustable along a length of each of the plurality of support brackets.
 7. The mounting system of claim 1, further comprising a surface bracket including a first portion securable to the mounting surface proximate the preexisting structure and a second portion substantially normal to the first portion operatively connected to the support bracket.
 8. The mounting system of claim 7, wherein the mounting system is adjustably adaptable to the depth of the preexisting structure.
 9. The mounting system of claim 8, wherein the first adjustment member includes a first portion slidingly engageable with the first support bracket and a second portion substantially normal to the first portion and engageable with the preexisting structure.
 10. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the device is slidingly engageable with a portion of the support bracket so as to permit the device to be selectively removed from the mounting system.
 11. A mounting system for mounting a device to a mounting surface, comprising: a plurality of support brackets, the plurality of support brackets configured to operatively connect to the device and to operatively connect to a portion of the mounting surface proximate a preexisting structure attached to the mounting surface; and a plurality of adjustment members, the plurality of adjustment members configured to operatively connect to the plurality of support brackets and operatively engage with at least one of the preexisting structure and the mounting surface, wherein the distance between a portion of the display and the mounting surface is selectively adjustable by adjustment of the plurality of adjustment members, and wherein the mounting system is configured to mount the device in front of at least a portion of the preexisting structure without alteration to the preexisting structure.
 12. The mounting system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of support brackets are arranged in an substantially vertical orientation.
 13. The mounting system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of display interface brackets, each of the plurality of display interface brackets operatively connected to device and one of the plurality of support brackets.
 14. The mounting system of claim 13, wherein the vertical position of the device in relation to the plurality of support brackets is selectively adjustable.
 15. The mounting system of claim 11, wherein the device comprises one of a whiteboard and a smart board.
 16. The mounting system of claim 15, wherein the preexisting structure comprises a chalkboard.
 17. A mounting system for mounting a display device to a mounting surface, comprising: a plurality of vertical support brackets, each of the plurality of vertical support brackets having a first surface and a second surface, each of the plurality of vertical support brackets operatively connected to the mounting surface such that at least a portion of the first surface substantially opposes and is spaced apart from an underlying structure attached to the mounting surface; and a display device operatively connected to each of the plurality of support brackets, a portion of the display device substantially opposing the second surface, and at least a portion of the display device disposed in front of and spaced apart from the underlying structure; wherein the device is selectively engageable with the plurality of vertical bracket so as to permit the device to be selectively removed from the mounting system.
 18. The mounting system of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of adjustment members operatively connected to the plurality of vertical support members and engageable with the underlying structure, wherein the plurality of adjustment members maintain the display device substantially parallel to the mounting surface.
 19. The mounting system of claim 17, wherein the display devices comprises one of a whiteboard and a smart board.
 20. The mounting system of claim 19, wherein the underlying structure comprises a chalkboard. 